Tribute to 'gentle soul' who died after man fell asleep behind wheel in Lincolnshire
Shinead Francis died after Mantas Kudrevicius collided with her car
Last updated 12 hours ago
The family of a 28-year-old woman with a 'zest for life' have paid tribute to her following her death in Lincolnshire.
32-year-old Mantas Kudrevicius has been jailed for four and a half years after causing the death of Shinead Francis by dangerous driving.
Kudrevicius is believed to have fallen asleep behind the wheel before colliding with the car Shinead was driving.
A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said "At about 11.30pm on Friday 30 August 2024 Kudrevicius was driving towards Spalding on the A16 near Cowbit in a BMW 325D Sport when he crossed into the opposing carriageway for a short period before colliding head on with an approaching Renault Twingo.
"The collision forced the Renault off the carriageway which subsequently caught fire."
Shinead was pulled from her vehicle whilst unconscious and given first aid but died of her injuries.
Family tribute
In a statement Shinead’s family said:
“On the 30 August 2024 our lives changed forever, when our beautiful Shinead was taken from us in a collision. Her loss has left a vast emptiness in all of our lives.
“Shinead was one of those people who brought joy and happiness to all who met her. Whenever she walked into the room, her smile and zest for life lit up the room. In fact, that joy was just infectious to all around her.
“Shinead was always there for others. She was a confidant, kind to others in their hour of need, huge hearted and a gentle soul, providing love to all around her. Her life had meaning and value.
“Her future was full of expectation and joy. She had plans to settle down and couldn’t wait for the day that she became a mother herself. She has achieved so much in her 28 years and had so much more to give. She was immensely proud of obtaining her HGV licence and referred to herself as a ‘Mother Trucker’.
“Her humour and sage advice supported all around her, guiding both friends and family through those dark periods that we must now all bear alone. We will miss her dancing, giggling, positivity, her physical presence and her sense of fun. She had a love of penguins and had a collection of cuddly ones in her room – Christmas saw her place at the table taken by one of her cuddly penguins.
“When her grandmother required help at home, Shinead stepped in to provide that help. She did the shopping, tended the house and the garden and talked about her future plans to her grandmother.
“We will never forget our beautiful Shinead, the one who brought a breath of fresh air and a ray of sunshine to whomever she met. Everywhere is now a duller, less colourful place without her and the world has lost one of those who was an embodiment of all that was good.
“Rest peacefully Shinead, you remain deep inside our hearts and we will love you forever. Until we may all meet again.”